3. The Portland Trail Blazers swing for the fences with the Denver Nuggets
Why the Blazers do it:
The Portland Trail Blazers are in desperate need of another star. With one unlikely to come via trade or free agency, Portland’s only remaining options are to try to find one in the draft or bet on a prospect developing into one.
Nassir Little has his own star potential, but Bol Bol‘s just shines a little brighter.
At 7’2 with a 7’7 wingspan that stretches from one horizon to the other, Bol’s size alone gives him freakish potential to dominate the game like few other players can. He also happens to be able to glide around the court like a dementor. His agility gives him the promise to be one of the best rim protectors in the history of the game.
On offense, despite his Slenderman arms, he exhibits enough control to both handle and shoot the rock. Being able to stretch out the floor and blow by bad closeouts makes him a lethal threat as a seven-footer. Not only can he spot up from deep, he’s shown off the ability to create his own shot off the dribble — even though that might be a little less impressive when you factor in the fact that he can basically shoot over any defender in the world.
Bol’s injury history and build make him a massive risk, but this might be a great way for Portland to acquire another star through creative means.
Why the Nuggets do it:
The Denver Nuggets are a little closer to a championship caliber roster than the Blazers are. They have an MVP in Nikola Jokic, a certified second-option that fits seamlessly with their cornerstone in Jamal Murray, and a budding scoring machine in Michael Porter Jr.
Add numerous quality veterans around those three young stars and the Nuggets have one of the most complete rosters in the league.
At this point in their construction, Bol Bol reaching his potential would be a luxury for the Nuggets. It might be better that they bet on Nassir Little to become a high-level role player, than continue to let Bol Bol waste away on the bench.
Little has all the tools to be the kind of player that every team needs; an athletic, three-level scorer who can defend on the perimeter.
Bol Bol has the higher ceiling, but Little has the better floor. It can be argued that the Nuggets need more floor than ceiling right now.